On the Face of It (CBL)

By Susan Hill

Notable Features of the Play

• The play is structured as a continuous dialogue between two characters. The uninterrupted dialogue sequence enhances the realism of their interaction. No narrator scanty stage directions NOT to influence the interpretation.

• The language is simple and direct, which makes the characters’ emotions and thoughts accessible.

• Conversational language: incomplete sentences, interruptions, and colloquial expressions, contractions and fragmented sentences ("Tin doesn’t hurt, boy!" "When it came off, did it?").

• Mr. Lamb uses more philosophical and reflective language, (“It doesn’t signify.”). Derry’s simpler vocabulary.

• Key themes: Identity, Perception, & Acceptance

• Dramatic Devices: Monologues, Symbolism, & Irony

• The use of ellipses (…) in the dialogue indicates pauses, trailing off of thoughts, and unspoken emotions. Derry’s: Hesitation, Inner Conflict, Emotional Pain

DIALOGUE ANALYSIS

Read the Extract

1. DERRY: I won’t ever look different. When I’m as old as you, I’ll look the same. I’ll still only have half a face.

1. MR LAMB: So you will. But the world won’t. The world’s got a whole face, and the world’s there to be looked at.

2. DERRY: Do you think this is the world? This old garden?

2. MR LAMB: When I’m here. Not the only one. But the world, as much as anywhere.

3. DERRY: Does your leg hurt you?

3. MR LAMB: Tin doesn’t hurt, boy!

4. DERRY: When it came off, did it?

4. MR LAMB: Certainly.

5. DERRY: And now? I mean, where the tin stops, at the top?

5. MR LAMB: Now and then. In wet weather. It doesn’t signify.

Analyse the dialogues of Derry in the above extract. Fill in the blank cells.

Dialogue	Character Traits / Tone	Mental Condition
1		Derry is struggling with self-acceptance and is fixated on his appearance. He feels hopeless about his future.
2	Curious, skeptical
3		Derry shows empathy and is trying to connect with Mr. Lamb by understanding his pain.
4	Curious, empathetic
5		Derry continues to show concern, indicating his growing interest in Mr. Lamb's experiences and feelings.

Analyse the dialogues of Mr. Lamb in the above extract. Fill in the blank cells.

Dialogue	Character Traits / Tone	Mental Condition
1		Mr. Lamb tries to broaden Derry's perspective, encouraging him to look beyond his physical appearance.
2	Content, philosophical, reflective
3		Mr. Lamb uses humor to address Derry's concern, indicating his practical approach to life.
4	Honest, straightforward
5		Mr. Lamb tries to broaden Derry's perspective, encouraging him to look beyond his physical appearance.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Explain how Mr. Lamb’s garden acts as a metaphor for his outlook on life. How does he use the garden to convey his thoughts to Derry?

Answer: Mr. Lamb’s garden, filled with diverse plants and flowers, symbolizes his acceptance of life’s differences and imperfections. He uses the garden to show Derry that beauty and value exist in all forms, and that one should embrace life with its variety, just as he nurtures his garden.

2. Imagine Derry’s life a few years after meeting Mr. Lamb. How might his interaction with Mr. Lamb influence his future relationships and self-perception?

Answer: Derry’s interaction with Mr. Lamb would likely lead him to develop more confidence and self-acceptance. He might begin to engage more openly with others, valuing relationships over superficial judgments. His future relationships would be shaped by the empathy and understanding he learned from Mr. Lamb.

3. Describe how Mr. Lamb’s philosophy of life could be applied by individuals to overcome personal challenges in today’s world.

Answer: Mr. Lamb’s philosophy of embracing life’s imperfections can help individuals today to accept their flaws and focus on the positive aspects of life. By shifting their perspective, people can overcome challenges such as low self-esteem, social isolation, and fear of judgment, leading to a more fulfilling life.

4. Critically evaluate the impact of Derry’s mother on his self-esteem. Do you think her protective nature helps or hinders Derry?

Answer: Derry’s mother, though protective, unintentionally reinforces his insecurities by focusing on his disfigurement. Her overprotectiveness hinders his growth by keeping him isolated, preventing him from interacting with others and developing the self-confidence he needs to face the world.

5. Analyze the contrast between Derry’s perception of himself and Mr. Lamb’s perception of Derry. How does this contrast drive the narrative?

Answer: Derry sees himself as ugly and worthless due to his scarred face, whereas Mr. Lamb sees him as a whole person with potential. This contrast drives the narrative by highlighting the transformative impact of Mr. Lamb’s positive outlook on Derry, leading to Derry’s gradual change in self-perception.

6. What can be inferred about Mr. Lamb’s past from his attitude towards life and his interactions with Derry? Support your answer with examples from the text.

Answer: It can be inferred that Mr. Lamb has faced his own share of hardships, likely related to his disability, yet he has chosen to live a life of acceptance and optimism. His cheerful demeanor and welcoming nature suggest that he has learned to find joy in life despite his struggles, as seen in his interactions with Derry.

7. Interpret the significance of Mr. Lamb’s statement, “It’s all relative,” in the context of his conversation with Derry. How does this philosophy apply to the events of the chapter?

Answer: Mr. Lamb’s statement, “It’s all relative,” signifies that one’s perception of reality depends on one’s attitude. This philosophy applies to the events of the chapter as it encourages Derry to see his disfigurement not as a defining feature but as one aspect of his life, urging him to focus on what he can do rather than what he lacks.

8. How does the ending of the play reflect the central themes of loneliness and acceptance? Discuss the significance of Mr. Lamb’s fate in the narrative.

Answer: The ending reflects loneliness as Derry returns to find Mr. Lamb dead, symbolizing the ultimate isolation that both characters feared. Mr. Lamb’s death highlights the transient nature of life and the importance of acceptance and human connection, as he had tried to impart to Derry.

9. If you were to write the play in narrative form which point of view, would you choose? Give reason for your choice?

Answer: Narrator's Point of View: The story is told from a third-person omniscient perspective, giving insight into the thoughts and feelings of both Derry and Mr. Lamb. This allows the reader to understand the depth of their conversation and the impact it has on each of them. Through this narrative, the story captures the essence of the play while providing a more detailed exploration of the characters’ inner lives.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Discuss how the themes of "On the Face of It" can be applied to address issues of discrimination and social isolation in contemporary society. How can the lessons from Mr. Lamb and Derry's interaction be used to promote inclusivity and acceptance in schools and communities? Relate these concepts to your own experiences or observations in life and current global events.

Answer: The themes of "On the Face of It" highlight the harmful effects of discrimination and social isolation, as seen through Derry’s experiences with his disfigurement. In contemporary society, these themes can be applied to combat biases based on appearance, disability, or other differences. Mr. Lamb’s approach of looking beyond the surface and seeing the person as a whole is a lesson that can promote inclusivity and acceptance in schools and communities. By fostering environments where diversity is celebrated and individuals are valued for their unique qualities, society can reduce the stigma associated with being different.

Personally, I have observed how inclusive practices, such as involving everyone in group activities regardless of their abilities, can help break down barriers and build a sense of belonging. On a global scale, movements advocating for the rights of marginalized groups reflect the importance of Mr. Lamb’s message of acceptance. These efforts contribute to a more compassionate world where people are judged by their character rather than their outward appearance.

2. Evaluate the transformation in Derry’s character from the beginning to the end of the play. How does his interaction with Mr. Lamb challenge his preconceived notions about himself and others? Create a brief analysis of how this change can serve as a model for self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. Relate this to a real-world situation where someone overcame a similar struggle.
Answer: At the beginning of the play, Derry is a bitter and withdrawn boy, defined by his scarred face and the judgment he feels from others. His interaction with Mr. Lamb challenges these preconceived notions by showing him that his worth is not determined by his appearance. Mr. Lamb’s acceptance and wisdom encourage Derry to see himself differently, leading to a significant transformation in his character. By the end of the play, Derry begins to embrace life with a new perspective, understanding that he is more than his physical appearance.

This change in Derry serves as a powerful model for self-acceptance and resilience. It demonstrates that with the right guidance and support, individuals can overcome their internalized negativity and build a positive self-image. A real-world example is that of individuals who have survived severe injuries or illnesses and have gone on to live fulfilling lives, despite initial fears of social rejection. Their stories of resilience and self-acceptance are testament to the power of inner strength, much like Derry’s journey in the play.